Camping in Costa Rica
Explore the Country at Your Own Pace
Costa Rica is one of the best destinations in the world for a road trip. With lush jungles, volcanoes, waterfalls, and beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, the adventure opportunities are endless.
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One of the most exciting and flexible ways to discover the country is through camping in Costa Rica. Imagine waking up surrounded by nature, making your own breakfast overlooking the ocean, and driving off to the next destination whenever you feel like it—that’s the freedom campervans offer.
At Pura Vida Traveling, we’re excited to introduce campervan rental services in Costa Rica, in partnership with two highly trusted companies: Pura Van and Costa Rider Campervan.
Whether you’re looking for a compact van, a fully equipped 4x4 with rooftop tent, or a family-friendly setup, these companies make it possible to travel safely and comfortably while enjoying a unique road trip experience.
Partnering with the Best:
Pura Van & Costa Rider Campervan
We want our travelers to have the best experience possible. That’s why we’ve partnered with two of the most reliable campervan companies in Costa Rica:
Pura Van
Puravan specializes in high-quality, well-designed campervans built for comfort and adventure. Their vans are modern, safe, and ideal for couples or small families seeking a smooth road trip. With Puravan, you get everything you need on board: a bed, a kitchen, a fridge, and storage.
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Book your Puravan through us and unlock exclusive benefits: receive $10 off compared to booking directly on the Puravan website, plus receive a free camping package (valued at $10) that includes blankets, towels, snorkeling gear, string solar lights, and a USB rechargeable anti-mosquito lamp.
Costa Rider Campervan
Costa Rider offers a variety of options, including campervans, 4x4 rentals with rooftop tents, and car roof tent rentals. This is perfect if you want to reach more remote destinations or camp in national parks.
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Use our code "From Pura Vida Traveling" in the notes section when booking on their website, and you'll receive their WiFi box at half price ($5/day)—making it easier to stay connected during your adventure.
Why choose Campervan Rental in Costa Rica?
Most travelers rent a car when visiting Costa Rica, but choosing a van rental in Costa Rica takes your trip to the next level.
Here’s why:
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Freedom & Flexibility – You decide your own itinerary. No need to worry about check-in/check-out times at hotels.
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Close to Nature – Costa Rica is famous for its biodiversity, and camping lets you wake up right in the middle of it.
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Budget-Friendly – Save money on hotels and meals by combining your transportation and accommodation.
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Adventure-Ready – Many campervans and 4x4 rentals in Costa Rica come equipped with off-road capabilities, rooftop tents, kitchens, and camping gear.
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Unique Experience – A Costa Rica road trip in a campervan is not just about getting from A to B—it’s an unforgettable journey.
Best Places for Camping in Costa Rica
One of the most common questions is: Where can you camp in Costa Rica with a campervan? While wild camping is sometimes possible, it’s best to stay in designated spots for safety and comfort. Luckily, Costa Rica has an increasing number of eco-campgrounds, beachside camping spots, and jungle retreats that welcome campervans.
Some top spots for camping in Costa Rica include:
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Playa Grande & Tamarindo (Guanacaste) – Surf, sun, and beach vibes.
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Arenal & La Fortuna – Camp near a volcano and soak in hot springs.
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Monteverde – Cloud forest camping with cool mountain air.
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Osa Peninsula – For the adventurous, remote jungle camping close to Corcovado National Park.
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Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) – Reggae vibes, wildlife, and Caribbean beaches.
Is a Campervan Right for You?
If you love flexibility, adventure, and being surrounded by nature, then yes! But it’s good to know what to expect:
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Roads can be bumpy, especially if you go off the beaten path—so 4x4 rentals in Costa Rica are sometimes necessary.
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Campsites are more rustic than in Europe or North America, but that’s part of the charm.
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Rainy season means you need to plan routes carefully, but vans are equipped to handle all conditions.
Need a quote? Contact us!
Discover all our best camping advices in our travel blog
We’re constantly exploring new parts of Costa Rica to bring you the best recommendations.
